Sikh Man Fatally Shot by Police in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, July 13 — A 35-year-old Sikh man was fatally shot by police after brandishing a sword in the middle of a busy intersection in downtown Los Angeles. The incident, which occurred at the junction of Figueroa Street and Olympic Boulevard, was captured on video and has since sparked debate.

According to reports, multiple calls alerted police that a man armed with a large sword was obstructing traffic and threatening passersby. Witnesses told officers the individual appeared to be of Indian origin and was chasing people on the street.

The man was later identified as Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Arcadia. Wearing a blue turban, Singh was seen wielding what police described as a sharp weapon, resembling a display of the traditional Sikh martial art Gatka. At one point, officers said Singh even used the blade to cut his own tongue.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said officers repeatedly ordered Singh to drop the weapon. Video footage shows him approaching his vehicle, retrieving a water bottle, and throwing it at officers before driving away in his Dodge Challenger. While driving, Singh allegedly continued brandishing the sword through the driver’s side window.

Police again confronted him after he stopped. Despite repeated commands to surrender his weapon, Singh allegedly attempted to charge at officers. At that moment, police opened fire.

“Shots fired. Officer needs help,” a voice can be heard saying in the video.

Singh collapsed as the weapon fell from his hand. Officers immediately requested medical aid and transported him to hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries on July 17.

Police confirmed that no bystanders or officers were injured during the incident. A sword believed to have been used by Singh was recovered from the scene.

In a press statement, the LAPD noted that the case remains under investigation and that a final determination on whether the shooting complied with departmental policy could take up to a year.

“This investigation is still in its early stages and may take up to twelve months to complete,” an LAPD spokesperson said. “As additional evidence is gathered and reviewed, our conclusions may evolve.”